“Dance is a poem, in it every movement is a word” (Mata Hari).
Events that take place in life evoke certain emotions in people. For example, joy, fear, anger, sadness, love, hate, and so on. They can be expressed in different ways. Sometimes to the detriment of oneself or others. The "gentle" ways of expressing emotions are their transfer through various types of art: poetry, painting, sculpture, theater, cinema. In this row, of course, is the dance, which will be discussed in the article below.
Plastic emotions in motion
The ancient Greeks considered this art form a gift received from the gods.
There are a lot of dances. This is the whole universe! Each nation, country has its own traditions of dance art and its own culture.
Over time, some dances outgrow the local level and become popular throughout the world, and some remain within the boundaries of their territory.
For example, the Viennese waltz is widely known. It has long been a mandatory attribute of all dance competitions.
Oh this waltz
Elegant, very beautiful and gentle pair dance. Graceful lines and smoothness in every movement! A certain technique of steps and rotations requires a pair of coherence, trust and accurate interaction with each other.
A narrow bodice and a luxurious fluffy skirt on a lady, a strict suit on a partner make the dance even more beautiful.
Historical dispute
Austrian folk dance, the name is “waltz”. It would seem that there is nothing simpler and more understandable. But, despite the direct reference in the name of the dance to the city of Vienna, disputes over when and where the waltz originated are still ongoing. There are two main points of view. None of them has anything to do with Austria.
The first version is German. In the 12-13 centuries in Bavaria, there were two dances: "Waltzen" (translated - "whirling to the beat") and "Nachtanz". They were combined, and a waltz appeared.
The second version directs us to France and Italy. It turns out that this dance was originally peasant. It was performed to the Provencal folk music “Volta”. It means a turn. The same dance was in Italy.
Gradually, the waltz began to gain popularity in Europe, especially among young people. They liked the dance with some relaxedness and lightness. It is for these reasons that the rest of the audience initially reacted to the waltz wary. They even tried to ban him, considering it vulgar! Indeed, in the 18th century it was indecent to take a lady by the waist. Then they began to strictly regulate, they allowed to dance no more than 10 minutes!
Despite the declared war, the rapid development of the dance could no longer be stopped.
Let it be, a waltz is not an Austrian folk dance, but Strauss' music improved and improved its choreography. Thanks to Viennese composers and conductors, the waltz blossomed. Austria became a country that contributed to the establishment of this dance. And Strauss forever received the honorary title - “King of the Waltz”.
What kind of country is this, what other dances does it represent?
The cultural heart of Europe
Austria can rightfully be called one of the most beautiful countries in Central Europe.
In addition to picturesque mountains and ranges, beautiful clean lakes, small cozy villages, it also attracts as a cultural center. This is a country of world music, dance, painting.
The culture of Austria is multifaceted. Beethoven, Strauss, Schubert, Mozart, Haydn created and inspired there. From ancient times to today, various festivals and holidays have been held in Austria and numerous provinces. A mandatory element of any event is the Austrian folk dance. So the traditions of the 18th and 19th centuries continue. And also the famous Vienna Opera, Philharmonic Hall, a ball of the same name, the Salzburg Festival and other music and dance events.
Austrian folk dance
As it turned out, this is not a waltz, although many thought so.
When we talk about Austrian folk dance, the name will be more than one: a landler, a schuchplattler, a counterattack, a sprachenzeltan and others.
Locals combine all these names into one - Folkloretänze.
Folk Austrian dance has the general rules:
- the one who wants to take part in it goes to the already existing circle of people;
- all welcome the newcomer;
- the dance "goes" in blocks with breaks between them.
- in conclusion, a separate dance and song takes place.
Most often there are four periods, and large breaks between them, in which figured dances continue.
The following instruments usually accompany the festivals and festivals: flute, clarinet, harmonica, Styrian harmonica (like an accordion), guitar, double bass.
Let us dwell in more detail on such a dance as Schuhplattler.
Most often it was performed by men. They stood in a circle, clapping each other and themselves on their knees, soles and hips. This dance is over a thousand years old! In a more modern version, not only men, but also women, or rather marriage couples, chose this dance. It is believed that he copies the behavior of the black grouse when he is caring for the aunt.